I got that chair at the goodwill. A customer had it at the register, was about to buy it and changed their mind. Once they took their hands off it, I was on it. One of the oldest tricks - I've used it too- have a shill make a big deal about buying it in front of some other customers then put it back or hesitate- works over 60 percent of the time. But since you like it anyway ...
I guess I'm not catching your point in this. Why would someone make a big deal over something then not buy it? Is that to get someone's attention about the piece, making them think it's a big deal, just to turn it down so that someone else grabs it. I don't see why that would be something someone would use at a retail setting. It it were a preview before an auction, I could see someone doing that. You bet I liked it. I didn't need a push from someone to make up my mind on it.
I know what spring is saying, but have never seen it done at any Goodwill - and I have spent my fair share of time at them.
Oh! No, that item didn't need help to be sold. There were plenty others about to grab it if I didn't. They had just brought it out.